Inform & Connect, Season 2: Richard Hunter, Blind Athlete and Advocate

Inform & Connect: An American Foundation for the Blind Podcast

Richard Hunter is a four-time Boston Marathon finisher and has completed 22 marathons, three 50-mile endurance runs, and was the second visually impaired runner in the nation to complete a 100-mile run. Richard was also the second visually impaired triathlete to complete Ironman in less than 12 hours, and the third to complete a Half-Ironman in under five hours.

Richard volunteers as the program coordinator for the USABA Marathon National Championships, held each December in Sacramento, CA. He was instrumental in the creation of United in Stride, an online database resource to unite volunteer sighted guides and blind runners across North America. In 2015, Richard was paired with Klinger, the first-ever certified running dog guide. Special honors include being selected as the 2014 National Road Runners Club of America’s Challenged Athlete Award recipient and the 2017 SRA Community Runner of the Year.

“Even though I’ve ran 23 marathons, three 50-milers, a 100-miler, and an Ironman, it all started with taking that first step,” Richard says.

“Richard’s passion as an athlete is a real testament that you can accomplish your dreams and create positive change through persistence and determination,” said Melody Goodspeed, AFB Major Gifts Specialist. “He takes it a step further by creating a pathway for connection through United in Stride as well as his other volunteer efforts.”

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